Visiting Asia

The best time of year to visit Myanmar is during the cool season.

There are three seasons in Myanmar: the hot season, the Monsoon season, and the cool season.

The hot season in Myanmar lasts from early March to late May, the Monsoon season in Myanmar runs from the late May to mid October, and the cool season in Myanmar runs from late October to late February.

The best time to visit Myanmar is the cool season, as temperatures can climb very high in the hot season and the rains can interrupt sightseeing in Myanmar's Monsoon season.

In the cool season, temperatures in Yangon hover around 17 degrees Celsius.

Mandalay and Bagan can be visited in the Monsoon season, as those parts of Myanmar only get light showers.

Yangon gets much more rain during the Monsoon season in Myanmar, and therefore the best time of year to visit Yangon is the cool season.

The best time of year to visit Myanmar's northern region is during the hot season, as it remains cooler there throughout the year.

During the cool season, the northern region averages a temperature of 0 degrees Celsius.

Hotel Tugu in Canggu, Bali is one of the top hotels in Bali.

Located in Canggu, the hotel is in a secluded location and abounds with the treasures of the owner, who is an art collector.

Rooms at Hotel Tugu feature spectacular views of the gardens and ocean, and the hotel is right on a black sand beach.

One of the highlights of Hotel Tugu is that the owner's art collection is showcased all over the hotel.

Guests can explore various rooms and eat meals anywhere they want to, including in Hotel Tugu's museum rooms, outdoor tables, and dining area.

The food is of the best quality and the service and staff are exceptional.

Hotel Tugu is worth every rupiah.

Fairmont Peace Hotel, Shanghai
Address: 20 Nanjing Road East, Shanghai, China 200002
Phone: +86 21 6321 6888

The Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai recently re-opened after a major renovation.

The hotel is one of the best luxury hotels in Shanghai.

The newly renovated interior features elegant white marble in the lobby area. Guest rooms are decorated with soft tones and neutral colors.

The Fairmont Peace Hotel has six bars and restaurants that serve excellent local and international cuisine.

They attract Shanghai locals and hotel guest alike, and bars like the Fairmont's Jazz Bar are very social.

Room rates at the Fairmont Peace Hotel in Shanghai start at 2600 CNY per night.

Aloft Hotel Chennai
Address: 102, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Sholinganallur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600 119, India
Phone: (91)(44) 4592 5500

The Aloft Hotel in Chennai is true to the Aloft brand with its chic decor and trendy atmosphere.

The hotel is located in the heart of the IT business district in Chennai on the "OMR".

The Aloft Hotel in Chennai features spacious guest rooms with free Wi-Fi and comfortable beds and furniture.

Common areas at the Aloft include the signature XYZ bar and lounge as well as a 24/7 pantry and re:mix lobby.

Room rates at the Aloft Hotel in Chennai start at 5,499 INR per night.

Planning a trip to Vietnam? You will not be admitted without getting a visa in advance. Every foreign visitor to Vietnam needs to get a visa and they generally do not do visa-on-arrival (VOA) like other countries do. This means you have to plan in advance and get a visa at a Vietnamese consulate somewhere.

First, if you're a US citizen, it's super easy to get a Vietnam visa in their DC embassy or, preferably, their San Francisco consulate.

This is also available in New York too. It's possible to get a visa at the consulate in Siem Reap, Cambodia or Bangkok, Thailand but there can be delays of a couple days, which may not work if you have a tight itinerary.

The consulate in San Francisco is generally known as being the best for a quick turnaround. Typically they can turn around a visa within 24 hours and for $65 (money order). If you get another visa in the future the cost goes down to $45.

If you're doing it by mail, they usually have a really quick turnaround as well and if you use priority mail or FedEx, you'll have it back in about a week.

Also, if you're backpacking or going in and out be sure to get a multiple entry visa. It can be a pain to get another fresh visa if you're in Cambodia visiting Siem Reap for just a few days.

Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China.

A British colony until 1997, Hong Kong is one of Asia's most powerful financial centres and draws visitors from around the world.

Bustling and energetic, Hong Kong is a great place to taste urban life and beautiful nature in one small area.

Whether you want to explore the feats of modern architecture in Hong Kong's financial district, visit the Hong Kong Museum of Art, or hike up to the top of Victoria Peak, there is plenty to keep you busy in Hong Kong.

Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo is the largest and most famous fish market in the world.

The Tsukiji Fish Market is well worth the visit, not to mention the 5am starting time.

Make sure to get there on time if you want to see the fish auctions (frozen fish auctions at the Tsukiji Fish Market are open to visitors).

Once you've had your fill of the auctions, wander through the endless rows of fish and shellfish in the Tsukiji Fish Market itself.

The Tsukiji Fish Market has some of the best and freshest sushi in the world.

Make sure to stop by the rows of restaurants near the back to eat your fill of great fish.

The popular restaurants fill up quickly so make sure to get there before 6:15am if you don't want to wait in endless queues.

X2 Koh Kood Resort and Villa Rental
Address: 442 Moo 2 Baan Klongchao, Koh kood, Trat, Thailand

X2 Koh Kood resort is the latest luxury resort designed by the X2 luxury brand.

With some of the best beaches in Thailand and unsurpassed beauty of the natural surroundings, Koh Kood on the Gulf of Siam is one of the best luxury travel destinations in Thailand.

Opening in late 2010, X2 will be a a designer eco-resort featuring 14 villas that will be sold as private residences.

Those not wanting to buy a villa in Koh Kood can rent one for a holiday in Koh Kood.

X2 Koh Kood villas starting at 150,000.00 Baht for an apartment if you wish to purchase one.